Former Super Eagles forward John Utaka has reacted cautiously to Akor Adams pending move from Sevilla to newly promoted Serie A side Venezia, Soccernet.ng reports.
The Nigerian striker is on the verge of leaving the Ramón Sánchez Pizjuán just 18 months after arriving from Montpellier, with Venezia agreeing a €16 million deal with Sevilla and personal terms already in place. The proposed transfer has generated mixed reactions among Nigerian football fans.
After a difficult first few months in Spain due to injury setbacks, Adams enjoyed a breakthrough 2025/26 campaign, scoring 10 La Liga goals in 33 appearances and finishing as Sevilla's leading scorer as the club narrowly avoided relegation.
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Akor Adams set to join Venezia – John Utaka opines on the transfer
Given his resurgence and growing importance for both club and country, many expected the 26-year-old to attract interest from clubs competing in Europe rather than a newly promoted side.
However, Utaka believes the move should not be judged too quickly. Speaking to Brila, the former Lens forward admitted he was pleased with Adams' development and suggested there may be more behind the decision.
“He has been doing tremendously well, everybody is seeing what he is capable of. I am very happy for him,” the 44-year-old said.
“He is showing that he has character and can play at any level. I am really happy for him. He just needs to continue on the track.”
Asked about Adams' future, Utaka refrained from criticising the proposed switch, instead he believes the attitude of the former Montpellier striker can lead to become Nigeria's starting striker at the 2030 FIFA World Cup.
“The world cup is not far off, so hopefully, we will see him at the biggest stage, Utaka concluded”
🚨🇮🇹 Serie A side Venezia have agreed deal to sign Akor Adams from Sevilla, as ABC reported.
€16m deal done for the striker to join from Sevilla, the Nigerian has accepted. 🇳🇬 pic.twitter.com/tfHtPqWBDm
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) July 10, 2026
Why the move appears shocking
On the surface, leaving Sevilla for Venezia appears like a step backwards. Sevilla remain one of Spain's biggest clubs despite their recent struggles, while Venezia are only returning to Serie A and are expected to battle for survival.
Adams also seemed to have finally established himself in Spain after overcoming injury problems.
The former Sogndal striker's 10-goal return last season earned him a regular place in Eric Chelle's Super Eagles squad, where he has already scored six goals in 15 appearances.
Moving to a club likely to spend most of next season fighting relegation naturally raises questions about whether it aligns with an upward trajectory.
Why the transfer may make sense
However, there are several factors that make the deal understandable.
Sevilla's financial difficulties and recent ownership changes have forced the club into considering player sales to balance their books and reduce their wage bill, and Adams was informed the club could be forced to cash in despite his preference to remain in Andalusia.
For Venezia, meanwhile, the Nigerian striker represents a proven Serie A-level goalscorer capable of spearheading their survival bid.
At 26, Adams also remains at an age where regular football is more important than simply playing for a bigger club.
Should Venezia build their project around him, he could enjoy the guaranteed minutes and central role that may further enhance his development ahead of the 2027 AFCON qualifiers and Nigeria's 2030 World Cup qualification campaign.
If Venezia provides him with the platform to become one of Serie A's standout strikers, the transfer could prove to be a masterstroke.
If not, questions will continue to be asked about why one of Nigeria's most in-form attackers left Sevilla so quickly after finally finding his feet in Spain.
